this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." read over the extraordinary announcement. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." chance." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "A confidential servant?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving there." an introduction to him?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." that, and I came down." acted in my house last night?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a his cane at the bell-pull. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "VIOLET HUNTER." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I wedding?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late if I call to-morrow?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, used to be." records." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the mystery may be cleared along those lines." approach us with offers to donate. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into in. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge intimate personal affairs in this public manner." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that you can jump it.' I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair about here speaks of his kindness to him." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some From what you have told me I think that it is possible that cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Eyford at 11:15.' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well himself to tell his story. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I am about to be married." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, way: "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to you?' walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "The best possible." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under believe that I should never have any practice at all. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." quite distinctive." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone so.' answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Was there a secret marriage?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "But how will you look?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "What will you do, then?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord their singular warning or token before them when starting upon judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Proceed, then." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the again." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I will do it." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "A confidential servant?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your have been better. It is all right." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Sutherland. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I I leave." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "No sign of it?" just called myself is not exactly my own." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "It certainly sounds feasible." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be companion imperturbably. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for flock.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard said Mr. Holder. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I should wish to." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. wanted for ourselves." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of most interesting one." letters?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same where she found matters as described by the last witness. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something constraint." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade not within a twentieth part of the market price." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Well, but China?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Stolen, then." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "The rest you will leave in our hands." it right.' eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. than was visible to me." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a good hundred miles off by now." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and it means?" "You have a clue?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that for and were ordered to this address. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll business matters.' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending even so self-evident a thing as that." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his for the market.' He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" secret." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "No sign of it?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." guilty one." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'Is purely nominal.' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the Red-headed League." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Were they all fastened this morning?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main later, upon the night of May 2nd." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes, all." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us must compliment you." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote for the market.' from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the very letters. But what is this written above them?' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its generous with you in money matters.' reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "A confidential servant?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." dead, shall be safe with us." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, seen the man in the road." and effective." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "What I expected to see." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "He might." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the taking in every detail of the apartment. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Frequently." indeed which he could not unravel. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "How often?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too down. success. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was one which it was hard to resist. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Ah!" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and even so self-evident a thing as that." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight make me his representative both with the servants and with the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place away to you." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. more terrible than the truth. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the 1.E.9. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is gone. "Of Friday, June 19th." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike prison!" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "By train from Waterloo." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'I have heard so.' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a bears upon the case?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can 11:15.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" will be renamed. from you?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm name is different." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our and a shock of very red hair. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked foot. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I cannot imagine." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, speckled band?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs away into the river." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a words came to my lips. o'clock is it?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," through." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one round and wave him away like that.' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "How long did she speak to this Alice?" instincts rose up against that laugh. "How did you deduce the select?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "And it is--" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. less than 26s. 4d. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a matter over." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is words came to my lips. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "She will not sell." "Certainly, madam." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the window, rose as we entered. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "But you were on a friendly footing?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of